Question 1

Is my provider a physician or a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ugwuede is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is specialized in mental health care and functions as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). PMHNPs are qualified medical professionals who are authorized to prescribe medications for psychiatric conditions, order laboratory and diagnostic tests, and provide psychotherapy services.

Question 2

What will happen during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

We will meet for an extensive interview and psychiatric evaluation in which we will discuss some information such as your history, symptoms, and family dynamics.  Within this first session together, we will then determine the best plan of action to move forward.

Question 3

How often will my appointments be?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of your appointments will vary, depending on your individual case and may change over time or due to other factors. It is extremely important that you attend all scheduled appointments or reschedule them within a few days of the original appointment so that you do not run out of medications. If you follow this, you will not face any issues with medication refill. However, if you do not attend the appointments as discussed, we may choose to deny a refill of your medications until you have the necessary appointment. The decision related to medication refill will be made by Dominus case by case, taking into consideration the safety and other relevant factors. If this becomes a pattern, discontinuation of services may be considered.

Dominus Mental Health will not require appointments unnecessarily. You can ask about this in your session. You can expect follow-up appointments to be scheduled closer together initially, and gradually spread out as your symptoms improve. The standard of psychiatric care for patients with no symptoms or manageable symptoms (if agreed upon in the session) is every 3 months. We will do our best to balance any financial concerns with the safety of your care. Please do not hesitate to let us know if paying for care is difficult for you. We will work with you as much as possible.

Question 4

Does Dominus offer medication management services for patients with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Dominus provides medication management for ADHD; however, completion of ADHD testing with QbCheck is required prior to initiating stimulant medication management. The QbCheck assessment is an out-of-pocket expense of $270.

Question 5

Does Dominus take my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dominus may be in different stages of establishing recognition by insurance panels, so this is variable and may change over time. Please inquire with our administrative staff about your specific situation, or about our discounted self-pay rate.

Question 6

Can Dominus fill out short term or long-term disability paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Initially no, Dominus providers do not do this for newer patients that have been in our care for less than 6 months.  We do encourage patients to seek out intensive outpatient programs (IOP’s) if they feel their symptoms are severe enough to prevent them from working. Many times, these programs will fill out this paperwork.

Question 7

Can I get a refill if I'm out of meds and haven't seen my provider in over 6 months?

Accepted Answer

In general, if you have not received medical care from Dominus for a period of 6 months, you may be removed from their patient list to make room for other patients. You will receive a notification if this is the case. If you have gone 6 months without receiving medical care, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment to receive a refill for your medications. This is important for your safety and no exceptions will be made.

Dr. Amenaghawon Ugwuede
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

FAQ

Frequently asked questions